Brazil proposed on Thursday to help develop the country's livestock sector, an official said.
Brazilian Ambassador to Bangladesh Joao Tabajara made the proposal during his meeting with Fisheries and Livestock Minister Narayan Chandra Chanda at his Bangladesh Secretariat office in the capital.
The minister assured the Brazil ambassador of examining their proposal carefully. He also said that the Bangladesh government will send a reply to Brazil.
Narayan Chandra also informed the Brazilian envoy about the country's progress in achieving self-sufficiency in producing meat and fish.
Tabajara informed the minister about Brazil's export of halal meat to different countries including the Arab world.
"We had a fruitful discussion. We (Bangladesh-Brazil) agree to sign a memorandum of understanding in near future for the development of Bangladesh livestock sector," an official of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL), who was present during the meeting, told the FE.
Director General of the Department of Livestock Services (DoLS) Dr Md Ainul Haque told the FE that they (officials at his department) will discuss the issue and send recommendations to the MoFL soon.
A high official of the MoFL told the FE that after getting the report from the DoLS, the Brazilian proposal will be discussed at the inter-ministerial meeting. After that the government will send its reply to Brazil, he added.
Livestock is an integral component of the country's farming system. It not only provides meat protein but also a major source of employment.
The livestock sub-sector provides full time employment for 20 per cent of the total population and part-time employment for another 50 per cent.
Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Raisul Alam Mondal and head of the mission of Brazilian embassy in Dhaka Julio Cesar Silva were also present, among others.
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